Blocking Never-Before-Seen Ransomware

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or computer files until a sum of money is paid. Most ransomware variants encrypt the files on the affected computer, making them inaccessible, and demand a ransom payment to restore access.

Ransomware code is often not sophisticated, but it doesn't need to be, because unlike many types of traditional malware, it usually does not need to remain undetected for long in order to achieve its goal. This relative ease of implementation versus high-profit potential attracts both sophisticated cybercrime actors, as well as novice ones to operate ransomware campaigns.

In the News: Cybereason Stops NotPetya Ransomware

Cybereason Principal Security Researcher Amit Serper discovered a workaround solution that disabled the NotPetya ransomware that wreaked havoc in Europe during 2017 to the tune of over $1 billion in damages.